Section

Industry

News, trends, and analysis of the trades and services industry, including regulations and market data.

Split image contrasting a messy, packed apartment with a pristine, clean apartment after professional move-out cleaning.

Why Urban Renters Are Increasingly Booking Move-Out Cleaning

The owner of The Cleaning Crew Charleston reported a "substantial increase" in requests for move-in and move-out cleaning services over recent months.

Rick Donovan· Apr 18· 6 min
Nigerian artisans participating in a large-scale training program, learning construction skills to address national labor gaps.

Nigeria to Launch Multiple Artisan Training Programs

Nigeria will launch at least three major initiatives to train millions of construction artisans.

Ben Foster· Apr 17· 4 min
Skilled tradespeople working diligently on a factory floor during a period of declining US industrial production, emphasizing their crucial role in economic stability.

US industrial production dip impacts skilled trades and market stability

In March, US manufacturing output fell 0.

Ben Foster· Apr 17· 4 min
A FieldAI robot dog autonomously scans a construction site, demonstrating the integration of advanced robotics and human labor in the building industry.

Autonomous Machines Tackle Construction's Labor Gap, Reshaping the Building Industry

On a typical construction site, a robot dog from FieldAI recently walked over 100 miles, collected over 45,000 photos, and mapped four floors of a building.

Rick Donovan· Apr 16· 5 min
A high-tech tool manufacturing factory floor with robots, technicians, and digital data overlays, showcasing smart factory IoT integration.

Smart factory IoT adoption surges for tool manufacturers

By 2034, the global Internet of Things (IoT) in manufacturing market is projected to reach an astounding $172.

Rick Donovan· Apr 15· 5 min
An empty New York brewery taproom with closed doors and silent beer taps, symbolizing industry consolidation and closures.

New York Brewery Closures Signal Consolidation Amid Shifting Industry Trends

After a decade of operation, Strong Rope Brewery's Gowanus location, a pioneer in using all-NY hops and malt, is closing its doors this March.

Rick Donovan· Apr 11· 5 min
Modern industrial facility showcasing a high-tech, energy-efficient automated conveyor belt system with advanced motors, symbolizing the future of manufacturing operations.

The Shift to Energy-Efficient Automated Industrial Motors: What It Means for Operations

The accelerating shift towards energy-efficient automated industrial motors is reshaping manufacturing. This analysis explores the regulations and technologies driving the change and what it means for operational costs.

Rick Donovan· Apr 9· 8 min
A futuristic industrial setting where advanced agentic AI robots collaborate with human workers, showcasing the transformative impact of autonomous systems on skilled trades and manufacturing.

Agentic AI Adoption Trends Signal a New Era for Industrial Trades

Recent market reports reveal staggering growth in agentic AI adoption for industrial applications. This trend is set to fundamentally reshape the skilled trades by 2035.

Rick Donovan· Apr 8· 7 min
A futuristic industrial vending machine in a factory, dispensing parts to a worker, symbolizing automated, efficient supply chain management.

The Digital Vending Shift: Reshaping Industrial Supply Chain Efficiency

A look at the growing trend of digital vending in industrial supply chains, a shift from reactive, time-consuming procurement to automated, on-demand inventory at the point of use.

Rick Donovan· Apr 7· 7 min
A visually striking image showing the transition in the boric acid industry, with old 56% B2O3 containers being replaced by new, efficient 80% B2O3 containers in a modern industrial setting, symbolizing a significant market shift.

The Meta Boric Acid Shift: What It Means for the Materials Market

For decades, 56% B2O3 content was the standard for boric acid. Now, a new 80% B2O3 product is reshaping the market, creating a new high-value category and redefining industrial efficiency.

Rick Donovan· Apr 6· 6 min
Close-up view of precisely engineered metal gears inside a power tool, showcasing the intricate mechanics that contribute to tool performance and durability in the evolving market.

The Gears of Progress: Analyzing Power Tool Gears Market Growth Trends

The quality of a power tool often comes down to its unseen internal components. This article delves into the power tool gears market, revealing how these critical parts drive performance and durability in modern tools.

Kyle Brenner· Apr 6· 8 min
A vibrant, cinematic overhead view of a bustling Cobb County street, showcasing diverse new businesses with bright signs, symbolizing economic growth and the addition of 42 new service industry licenses.

Cobb County Adds 42 New Business Licenses Across Service Industries

Cobb County recently approved 42 new business licenses for a wide range of service industries. This expansion includes professional services, restaurants, and personal care, indicating robust local economic activity.

Rick Donovan· Apr 5· 3 min
A professional landscaper using a quiet electric leaf blower, contrasting with a blurred background of older gas-powered equipment, symbolizing the industry's transition to sustainable, battery-powered tools amidst new regulations.

The Electric Landscaping Tools Shift: Navigating Gas Blower Bans

The roar of gas-powered leaf blowers is being replaced by the whir of electric models, a market shift forcing landscaping professionals to re-evaluate their entire equipment strategy.

Ben Foster· Apr 5· 8 min
A futuristic construction site at dusk, showcasing AI-driven machinery, drones, and holographic interfaces, symbolizing the integration of smart technology in construction and home services.

The AI Shift: How Smart Technology is Reshaping Construction and Home Services

AI and smart technology are rapidly transforming the construction and home services industries, moving from theoretical concepts to practical realities. This shift is driven by chronic labor shortages, increasing project complexity, and stringent regulations, redefining efficiency and safety.

Ben Foster· Apr 5· 6 min
Construction workers on a green building site, using modern tools and sustainable materials, symbolizing the industry's shift towards eco-friendly practices and advanced certifications.

The Impact of Green Building Certifications on Construction Trades and Services

Green building certifications are rapidly becoming a non-negotiable baseline in construction, fundamentally reshaping material supply chains, tool requirements, and the skill sets demanded of trades professionals. This shift from cost-first to performance-first models is creating new opportunities and challenges across the industry.

Ben Foster· Apr 2· 6 min
Industry leaders discussing AI and sustainability trends at a futuristic pulp and paper mill, with holographic data visualizations, representing innovation in the forest-based bioeconomy.

Pulp & Beyond 2026 Event to Address AI, Sustainability Trends

The Pulp & Beyond 2026 event in Helsinki will gather industry leaders to discuss critical trends like AI, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. The conference aims to address challenges and foster innovation in the forest-based bioeconomy.

Ben Foster· Apr 2· 4 min
Construction workers installing reclaimed wood and recycled insulation in a modern, eco-friendly home, highlighting sustainable building practices and materials.

Why Homeowners Are Prioritizing Eco-Friendly Materials in Construction and Home Services

Homeowners are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices in construction and home services, driven by a mix of economic, regulatory, and environmental factors. This shift is redefining industry standards and client expectations.

Ben Foster· Apr 2· 7 min
A diverse group of young, confident skilled trades professionals, including a female plumber, an electrician, and a carpenter, standing proudly in a modern workshop, representing the '40 Under 40' recognition.

The Rise of the Trades '40 Under 40': Recognizing a New Generation of Talent

The skilled trades are seeing a major shift in how they celebrate their own, with new '40 Under 40' programs designed to recognize and empower the next generation of industry leaders.

Rick Donovan· Apr 2· 7 min
Skilled trade workers, including electricians and pipefitters, constructing a large, modern data center, symbolizing the physical foundation of the AI revolution.

The AI Paradox: Data Shows Automation Is Boosting Demand for Skilled Trade Jobs

Contrary to fears of displacement, the AI boom is creating a surge in demand for skilled trade workers. A detailed data analysis shows why the people who build the physical world are more valuable than ever in the digital age.

Rick Donovan· Mar 31· 8 min
A futuristic construction site showcasing sustainable building materials like timber, recycled concrete, and solar panels, symbolizing the industry's shift towards eco-friendly practices and reduced environmental impact.

Beyond the Buzz: How Sustainable Materials Demand is Redefining Construction

The global construction industry is undergoing a fundamental shift, driven by rapidly growing demand for sustainable materials. This transformation is reshaping supply chains, regulatory frameworks, and professional practices, making adherence to evolving standards paramount for competitiveness.

Ben Foster· Mar 31· 9 min
A cinematic view inside a modern data center with glowing servers and a holographic growth chart, symbolizing the AI-fueled expansion of the data center chip market.

Beyond the Hype: Data Center Chip Market Trends and Growth Outlook to 2034

A new report identifies over $37 billion in immediate opportunities, signaling a massive expansion. The data center chip market is on the cusp of unprecedented growth, fundamentally reshaping global technology infrastructure.

Rick Donovan· Mar 31· 8 min
A futuristic data center with glowing server racks and holographic data streams, symbolizing the global data center chips market driven by AI and cloud computing.

Beyond NVIDIA: Sizing Up the Global Data Center Chips Market to 2034

The global data center chips market is set for substantial growth through 2034, fueled by AI and cloud computing. Discover the varying market projections, key technological drivers, and regional influences.

Ben Foster· Mar 30· 6 min
A futuristic data center with glowing server racks and a holographic NVIDIA AI chip, symbolizing the company's market dominance and the evolving landscape of data center technology.

Data Center Chip Market Trends Show NVIDIA Dominance Amid Investor Shifts

The data center chip market in 2026 is being reshaped by NVIDIA's dominance and a significant rotation in investor sentiment, even as demand for physical infrastructure continues to surge.

Ben Foster· Mar 30· 4 min
Futuristic construction site with AI interfaces, holographic blueprints, drones, and robots working alongside human project managers.

7 Emerging Construction Tech for Project Management

A construction takeoff that once took days can now be completed in mere seconds by AI, fundamentally altering the pace of project planning.

Rick Donovan· Jun 18· 6 min
Construction site showcasing a blend of traditional masonry and innovative, sustainable building materials under natural light.

Green rules reshape construction materials, driving market shifts

The global masonry units market is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 3.

Ben Foster· Jun 22· 4 min
Skilled tradespeople, including a plumber and electrician, collaborating on urban infrastructure projects, highlighting their importance to local development.

Trades and service pros are key to local development resilience.

In one mid-sized American city, the average age of a licensed plumber is 58, and only 3% of high school graduates enter vocational training programs, creating a looming crisis for essential urban infr

Rick Donovan· May 7· 6 min
Diverse group of apprentices learning fiber optic installation and electrical wiring in a modern training facility, symbolizing workforce development.

Apprenticeships Address Skilled Trades Labor Shortage

CBRE and Meta are launching a multiyear initiative called LevelUp to recruit and train thousands of fiber technicians for U.

Rick Donovan· May 2· 5 min
Diverse individuals representing consumers and independent repair professionals stand before a legislative building, symbolizing the fight for the Right to Repair and the impact of the REPAIR Act on fair access to tools and information.

The REPAIR Act Is Here: Why the Right to Repair Is an Inevitable and Necessary Shift

The Right to Repair movement is gaining undeniable momentum with the introduction of the federal REPAIR Act. This legislation aims to rebalance power, granting consumers and independent shops fair access to parts, tools, and service information.

Rick Donovan· Apr 5· 6 min
Diverse students in a modern vocational training center learning skilled trades like welding and plumbing, symbolizing investment in workforce development to close the skills gap.

Stop Admiring the Skills Gap: Why Investing in Vocational Training Is Our Only Way Out

The US faces a critical skilled trades shortage, threatening our economy. Aggressive investment in vocational training programs is no longer an option but an economic imperative to address this crisis.

Rick Donovan· Apr 4· 5 min
A diverse group of consumers and repair technicians advocating for the Right to Repair, challenging manufacturer monopolies over product maintenance and promoting sustainable practices.

Manufacturer Gatekeeping Must End: The Case for a Universal Right to Repair

The universal 'Right to Repair' movement advocates for ownership, safety, and economic fairness by challenging manufacturers' monopolies over product maintenance. This crucial legislation empowers consumers and independent repair professionals, fostering a more sustainable and competitive market.

Ben Foster· Apr 3· 9 min